On the waterfront

It is little wonder cities around the world are returning to their own waterfronts, connecting people and cities to the natural energy and beauty of water.

Underutilised and degraded riverbanks, ports and harbours near and far are getting a new lease on life and delivering major social and economic benefits in cities brave enough to take on the challenge of their reinvention.

Here's how four cities are repurposing large areas of waterfront land to provide for new generations of people.

Sydney's Darling Quarter

The Darling Quarter project has reconnected Darling Harbour waterfront with the Sydney CBD by re-energising a 1.5 hectare site considered a 'white elephant' into a vibrant community space.

A once neglected area is now home to a string of popular bars and restaurants, a 4,000 square metre children's playground (the largest in Sydney) and an open green space filled with amenities that bring the area to life both day and night.

This world-class $500m mixed use development has won multiple national and international awards.

Auckland Waterfront

Across the Tasman, a 25-year project is underway to revitalise 29 hectares of Auckland's waterfront and reap significant rewards for the city.

The new development is being built around Auckland's working marine and fishing industries with the aim of creating a bustling and thriving waterside hub where industry, old and new, harmoniously co-exist and Aucklanders can live, shop, work and dine.

By 2040 the waterfront redevelopment is expected to contribute $4.29 billion to the city, directly supporting 20,000 new jobs in Auckland over the next 30 years and indirectly contributing to another 20,000 jobs across the region.

Bordeaux's Two Banks

The Two Banks of Bordeaux project transformed the French city’s waterside areas to bring life, culture and economic opportunities back to the Garonne and its local youth.

In contrast to Auckland's bustling port, Bordeaux’s riverfront had been completely abandoned by its shipping industry leaving a string of derelict warehouses and wastelands. These areas were an eyesore and also contributed to social problems in nearby housing estates.

RE-Bordeaux-Quay-at-sunset-1200x720 — Alongside the restoration of riverside buildings and creation of new parks, the innovative and life changing project has delivered significant economic and social benefits, including a local office to support youth training and a program supporting disadvantaged young people.

Image Courtesy:

Grand Parc - Bordeaux, France

Perth's Elizabeth Quay

One of the most significant and bold development projects ever undertaken on the banks of Perth's Swan River, Elizabeth Quay will transform an underutilised river foreshore into a thriving residential, recreational and commercial hub.

Much of the current Perth foreshore sits atop reclaimed land, as the Swan River used to stretch up to The Esplanade and along Terrace Road. The Elizabeth Quay development will take the water line back to its original position and provide the missing link between the city and its iconic waterway.

Artist impression showing view of Elizabeth Quay from north west — Once complete, locals and visitors will be able to walk from the CBD to the water's edge in minutes and enjoy bars, restaurants, cafes and a water playground alongside the Swan River.

Waterfronts around the world

Whether re-crafted from derelict land or firmly forged on site for generations, waterfront land is hot property around the world boasting a tide of attraction that draws visitors to relax and celebrate within a common playground that's open to all.